Senegalese Star Acknowledges Morocco's Potential Championship Title
The former Senegalese international, Boucari Dramé, has urged his national team to accept whatever ruling the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) may deliver regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, acknowledging that the decision could potentially favor Morocco. Dramé stated that the legal proceedings have become an integral part of the sport, and despite any personal reservations, it is quite plausible that the title may be awarded to Morocco, a scenario he hopes does not materialize.
In his comments relayed by the sports website "Goal", Dramé emphasized, "Once a case reaches this level of litigation, it becomes part of the game. Even if we do not agree with it, it is entirely possible for the title to go to Morocco, which I genuinely do not wish for." He further explained that the forthcoming judgment will, nonetheless, be rooted in legal principles, reiterating that if the law designates Morocco as champions, they will rightfully hold that status.
Dramé lamented the unfortunate image painted by the events surrounding the 2025 AFCON final, stating, "It is regrettable that we have projected such a negative image of our continent. We have a long way to go to reach the level of European football. We have done everything necessary, but we are still in the process of learning and evolving." He expressed hope that the outcome of this case would serve as a turning point, enabling African football to advance and develop further, stressing that similar incidents should be avoided in the future.
The CAS panel, consisting of three members, recently heard from all parties involved in the case in Lausanne, Switzerland. Among those present was Tarik Najm, the Secretary General of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. The arbitration panel, appointed by CAS, includes Frenchman Gérald Simon as the chair, alongside Italian Luigi Fumagalli and German Ulrich Haas as members, as announced by CAS earlier.
CAS President, Matteo Rip, noted during media interviews that the final ruling on this matter could be issued at any moment. However, media reports suggest that the official announcement may take place between October 18 and 22 of this year. The Senegalese Football Federation has lodged an appeal against the ruling of the Confederation of African Football’s Appeals Committee, which recognized the Moroccan national team as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following the withdrawal of Senegalese players during the final match.
As reported by al3omk.com.
